Hi! My name is Emily and I'm a writer, a wife to Nick and mother to two very sweet little girls named Daisy and Ella. We live in a quaint little town outside Philadelphia, PA, with our two black lab sisters.

I started this blog as a way to stay connected with friends and family after Daisy was born and it has now become a home for musings on everything from our favorite family recipes, books, travel destinations and, ultimately, my quest to balance work, life, self-care and family - all while staying grateful. Happy reading!

For Nick, on Father's Day

I talk a lot on this blog about my journey as a mother, a professional and an individual but what I don’t talk about nearly enough is the fact that none of these endeavors would be as successful without my husband and Daisy’s devoted Dad, Nick.

Nick wakes up every night when we hear crying on the monitor and he is the one who makes a warm bottle and feeds Daisy until she falls back asleep. Nick gives her every bath – donning swim trunks and jumping in the tub to play with her. Nick changes diapers just as much as I do and makes sure she stays on a schedule. I am endlessly grateful for this man who sees himself not as someone who “helps out” or “babysits” but as an equal partner in all aspects of our family life.

Nick is the kind of Dad you wanted when you were a kid. He is endlessly funny and knows how to make Daisy laugh even during the worst tantrum imaginable. He sits on the floor and plays with blocks, stacking cups and even the abhorrent cat-shaped keyboard which only makes cat sounds, for what seems like hours every day. He is a human jungle gym, totally unfazed while our child crawls across his lap and climbs up his torso to poke him in the eye and pull his hair. On the weekends, Nick is wearing Daisy around the neighborhood walking the dogs or playing with her in the Collingswood baby pool while the other dads stand around drinking beer watching their wives and kids.

When we go out to dinner, the second Nick’s food is delivered to the table, rather than diving into his meal, he starts cutting tiny pieces and feeding them to Daisy. He has never asked if we could go out without her – not once. Nick loves sharing everything we possibly can with Daisy. When we started laying plans for our backyard, he wasn't thinking of a fancy grill or a hot tub like some Dads might. Instead, he was dreaming up the best spot for a swing and a play area for Daisy. When he walks into a room, she lights up like a Christmas tree, squealing with joy.

I can’t really imagine what this journey of raising a child would look like without a partner like Nick – but I don’t want to know. He is everything I could have asked for and more. He is patient. He is present. He is so proud of this amazing little girl we have created. He is invested in Daisy’s future. He is generous with his time and his affection. He approaches fatherhood with an admirable reverence. You can see in his eyes that Nick thinks Daisy is the most brilliant, funny, courageous and wonderful little girl that ever walked the Earth – and that is everything. We love you, Nick. Thanks for being the perfect Dad ❤

Happy Fathers Day to all the other amazing Dads out there, especially my own Dad, who has always thought I was the snazziest thing since sliced bread, and my father-in-law, who raised an amazing son.